Albany Park’s eagerly anticipated cocktail den opens today, offering locals a selection of seasonal cocktails and vinyl records in a moody, intimate setting. Bokeh staff start serving at 4 p.m. today at 4716 N. Kedzie Avenue, realizing owner and Portland transplant Rick Weber’s vision of a sophisticated neighborhood bar. Weber sold his Oregon cafe, Fourth Estate, before moving to Chicago four years ago.
Bokeh’s bar offerings feature some classics as well as a rotating list of specialty and seasonal cocktails. Many bear photograph-related names, as does the bar itself — these refer to Weber’s past career in photography. The opening menu includes the “developer” (bourbon, black rum, demarara sugar, chocolate bitters, cinnamon, orange peel) and the “exposure” (gin, beet juice, Cynar, honey, Cointreau, orange peel). Drinkers who favor tradition can order Aviations, French 75s, Manhattans, and more, as well as beers and wines.
A self-professed “grazer,” Weber created a food menu that highlights bar-friendly small plates, snacks, boards, and desserts. The snack list is a freewheeling roundup of familiar and creative offerings, including fried chickpeas with rosemary, beet-pickled deviled eggs, and hot fried chicken with grilled polenta, pickles, and remoulade. Meat and cheese boards come with accompaniments such as mustards, pickles, compotes, and nuts, and two salads are also available. A short dessert list includes honey pie, cookies, and ice cream.
Weber hopes the TV-free spot with monthly art shows will entice Albany Parkers to stay in the neighborhood for a special night out. Diners can anticipate nightly DJ sets with rare and unusual vinyl and a 1,000 square-foot 25-seat space done up in teal, golden yellow, and grey.
Bokeh opens today in Albany Park.
Bokeh, 4716 N. Kedzie Avenue, Open 4 p.m. to 2:30 a.m on Monday through Sunday.